12:17 AM here in Alberta, March 30 - the day of the big march to Israel by those opposed to her existence.  Since the time difference is about 7 hours, it is morning in the land.  I don't know what time the march is to begin, but Israel's IDF and police have been making preparations to protect its citizens and borders, deploying thousands of soldiers and police.
   Arabs living in Israel and Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza are marking what they call 'Land Day' in protest of what they call 'discriminatory Israeli land policies'.  This year, those from neighboring Arab countries have planned to march near Israel's borders in solidarity with their Palestinian Arab brothers, calling their part in this "Is Israel losing the Temple Mount War?"
     Because the 'peaceful protest' turned deadly last year, Israeli police and military are out in full force to quell any trouble that may arise.  However, they want to keep a low profile as much as possible, but of course they must be available to quell any flare-ups that may occur.  They will do whatever is necessary to protect their citizens.  Roadblocks have been set up at the entrances to major cities
     Apparently, protesters from 82 countries are expected to take part in what they call 'Land Day', to "end the apartheid regime and the ethnic cleansing".
     The whole idea is ridiculous, if it weren't so tragic.  I certainly cannot comprehend such hatred,  such unwillingness to compromise.  The Arabs have thousands of square miles of the Middle East .... but they want that tiny strip of land called Israel as well.  They want Jerusalem, God's holy city.  Indeed, they want the world!
     I pray for a peaceful demonstration.  I pray that no one is hurt or - worse - killed, on either side of the conflict.  I pray for a peaceful resolution to the whole situation in the Middle East and the world, for that matter!    But I don't expect real peace .... not until the Prince of Peace returns.
     My heart is heavy tonight, when I think of what is happening perhaps at this very moment in Israel.
     Passover is only a week away .... a time of looking back to the historical freedom from slavery in Egypt, when the Jewish people were saved from the Angel of Death by following the instructions God gave to Moses - for each family to sacrifice a spotless lamb, and put its blood on the doorposts and lintels of their houses, so that when  the Angel of Death came and saw the blood, he passed over their houses and spared them, but killed the firstborn in all the houses of Egypt.  That's what it took for Pharaoh to finally agree to Moses' plea to "Let my people go!"
     However, Passover is a celebration of freedom, and believers today can celebrate, because our perfect Lamb of God, Yeshua our Messiah, shed His blood at that Passover long ago to cover our sins - He paid the price for us!  As the Bible tells us, without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin.
     Thank You, Yeshua, for laying down Your life for us!